Unsteady Flow Topology Around an Insect-Inspired Flapping Wing Pico Aerial Vehicle

In this study, we employ Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to conduct a topology analysis of unsteady flow instabilities around a mosquito-inspired flapping wing Pico Aerial Vehicle (PAV) called RoboMos. The objective is to gain an understanding of the aerodynamic phenomena that underlie the flight mechanics of PAVs and to elucidate the potential for optimization. The study looks into the intricacies of designed PAVs and their emulation of insect flight, shedding light on the relevance of nature’s designs for small-scale aerial vehicles. Through CFD simulations using HPC, we examine the geometry and mesh generation, governing equations, boundary conditions, and simulation parameters. The results highlight the emergence of vorticity shedding, unsteady flow separation, and the interaction between wings, unveiling critical insights into the aerodynamic behavior of insect-inspired PAVs. These insights offer opportunities for optimizing PAV designs, flapping frequencies, and other operational parameters. By understanding the complexities of unsteady flow instabilities, we aim to advance the efficiency, maneuverability, and applicability of PAVs in surveillance, environmental monitoring, and search and rescue missions.